Michigan Philanthropy Today

Menu Guide 2017

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The Saugatuck-Douglas Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in providing donations to help pay for a proven life-saving device called the LUCAS CPR.

The device, which sells for about $14,000, is now used by several Allegan County, Michigan and other state’s fire departments and their medical responders/firefighters and the unit has helped saved numerous lives.

This life-saving device is so important for the local community, The Local Observer will continue providing this important fundraising information until the $14,000 goal is met, says Editor Mike Gallagher.

“This device could mean the difference between life and death of some of our local residents when we respond to a medical emergency to help them, but unfortunately we just don’t have the money in our budget to purchase one,” said Saugatuck Township Fire District Chief Greg Janik.

“We’re asking people to find it in their hearts to dig down just a little with a $10, or $25 or more donations to help us out so we can be better prepared to help those in need,” said the chief.

To help fund this effort, the department has set up an easy-to-use mobile pledging system where the public can use their cell phones to make a contribution.

Here’s how simple and quick it is to make a donation using your cell phone:

1. Select “Messages” on your cell phone.

2. In the “To” box, type: 41444

3. In the message box, type in the mobile keyword:

emergency

4. Click “Send”

In a few short seconds, you’ll receive a text message thanking you for making a pledge. Click or tap the link that appears that says “To complete your gift now” and then click or tap the highlighted URL.

5. Then follow the directions by typing in your name and email address and fill in the credit card payment box, including the amount you wish to donate.

That’s it, you’re done!

You’ll receive a thank you text message and a follow-up electronic invoice you can print out for your tax records. It’s a great way to support our local fire department in helping them save lives.

If you prefer to send your donation in by check, please make it out to: Saugatuck Township Fire District-LUCAS, and mail it to:

In order to be able to save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest patients and avoid neurological damage, a steady supply of oxygen to the heart and brain is necessitated.

Life-sustaining circulation can be created through effective and uninterrupted chest compressions. Performing manual chest compressions of high quality is both difficult and tiring, and impossible in certain situations.

The quality varies depending on who provides CPR and deteriorates quickly after only one, two minutes.

The LUCAS™ Chest Compression System is a safe and efficient tool that standardizes chest compressions in accordance with the latest scientific guidelines.

It provides the same quality for all patients and over time, independent of transport conditions, rescuer fatigue, or variability in the experience level of the caregiver.

By doing this, it frees up rescuers to focus on other life-saving tasks and creates new rescue opportunities.

Experimental studies show that the mechanically controlled LUCAS™ compressions are able to sustain a higher blood flow to the brain and heart compared to manual compressions.

The side-effects are similar as for manual compressions. LUCAS™ does compressions according to guidelines - on the middle of the chest, not more, not less.

The LUCAS device is easy to carry and handle, and can be applied to the patient with interruptions of manual compressions of less than 20 seconds.

Now electrically powered, the life-saving medical device offers the most compact, lightweight and portable solution to maintain circulation in cardiac arrest patients and this device is proven to help save lives!